Your Pet Tributes

by Monica Lewis
(Watauga, Texas, United States)

A Tribute to Honey
(aka Honey Boy & Honey Bunny)


I’ve only heard the stories of how you came about because I wasn’t there. You were rescued; not once, but twice. I do remember the day you became a beloved part of my heart. I saw you standing there in your backyard, so much hair; you could barely hold your head up from all the weight. You were fearless, standing out in the rain, thunderstorms or snow; nothing seemed to bother you.

I remember the day I first shaved you, bald nonetheless, and you woke up refreshed; like a new puppy. You were able to stand, run and play; probably for the first time in a while. Then we realized during the next thunderstorm, you were in fact, afraid. Maybe your hair had been your security after all. We began letting you come in when you would alert us of approaching storms, by that constant, somewhat amusing bark.

I remember the day we moved to our new home and you woke up in a better backyard; you even had your own room, complete with heat and air. The weather would never get to you again; you would always know comfort and security. I know you knew LOVE because you began to kiss at dinner time as you never had before; probably from the life you had before your rescue. You also knew LOVE because of your fur siblings, Gracie (you were the daddy to her only litter of puppies), Lil Girl, who would come out and kiss you or curl up to you for a visit, even Gunner, who mostly annoyed you. Your cousin Zoey; well, y’all were so close, always keeping each other company while she lived with us. She was the only one you ever cuddled with, offering yourself as her pillow and always her mentor. You were the KING of your kingdom and never once caused any trouble; never fought with anyone; just calm and peaceful.

Then, that day came, when we noticed you were in trouble and age had caught up. It was getting harder and harder for you to get around or even get up. I had to hold your head to sometimes eat and drink. The time came for us to think, about you. You would look at me with those big brown eyes; looking for me to know; it was time for you to go. And now that the day has passed and you are no longer with us, I still wait to hear you call me when you need something; I wait for that bark; I find myself going to check on you. Then I look at the sunlight coming through the window of your room and realize it’s where you used to lie; maybe it’s you telling me you’re okay, shining bright and not to worry; I’m trying.

I miss you Honey! I’m sure we all do, but I was your mommy and you were not “just a dog”, you were my baby boy; my Honey Bunny. I know you are no longer in pain and running and playing with all your new furry friends there, but I wish you were still here. I know you will never again be afraid of storms, never again need my help, and I know time will heal my broken heart, but it hasn’t yet; maybe another day. I will never forget you Honey. There will never be another like you; you were one of a kind; the sweetest boy. You never let your past steal your happiness; I hope to live the same way. And forever, I will keep these treasured memories tucked away in my heart full of love, and keep them for you, Honey Boy, until we meet again, above.
Love,
Your Mommy